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Whether you work on a hybrid or fully remote schedule, you need a home office that fits the bill. It not only needs to look attractive (to you, your clients, and your team members). It should motivate you to work day in and day out, help you focus on the tasks at hand, and keep you healthy in the process. If your home office is not giving you all of those qualities, it’s time for an upgrade. The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to make big changes. Check out these cost-effective office refresh ideas from Dan Constantino ! Dress Up the Walls First, evaluate the walls in your office to see if they are due for an upgrade. One of the easiest ways to boost appeal is to freshen up the paint job. Going with a neutral tone like white, gray, or grayish will accommodate more vibrant decor and furnishings. Or, you could go with a color that you folks call, energy, nature, or any other qualities that can help you concentrate. Wallpaper can also transform a space. And these days, there are more options than ever when it comes to durable and attractive wallpaper. If you want to bring some outdoor elements in size, choose grasscloth wallpaper for your home . Grasscloth designs incorporate rich, texture textures that will instantly add elegance to your office. And if you go with a peel-and-stick product, you'll be able to easily apply, remove, and reposition the wallpaper without damaging your walls. Bring In Nature Sprucing up the walls isn't the only way to bring nature into your workplace. Look to air-purifying plants like Spanish lavender, passion flowers, and paddle plants to boost interior appeal while also improving the air quality in your home. You can also benefit from maximizing the natural light flowing into your office. Set up your desk next to or near a window, and open your window treatments on sunny days. Sunlight exposure can go a long way in boosting productivity, not to mention all the mental health benefits that come with it. Opt for floor and desk lamps instead of overhead options if you need extra lighting for your workspace. Keep the Clutter Down Clutter kills productivity and causes stress. Take time to declutter and deep clean your home office, and create a routine to keep it that way. Also, invest in stylish storage solutions that can keep the items you need within reach but out of sight. Installing shelves can also help you minimize clutter because it optimizes the vertical space available. Invest in Tech and Gear Lastly, take advantage of all the technologies in gear available to home-based entrepreneurs and professionals. There are a wealth of time tracking, project management, and file-sharing tools to help you work more efficiently and productively. You can help ensure your company stays financially healthy by using online bookkeeping and invoicing software . And if you need help in the marketing department, incorporate a website builder, social media management tool, and email marketing software, among many other technologies. While you're at it, research the plethora of equipment that can help you stay healthy and productive on long workdays. Invest in an ergonomic office chair, keyboard, and mouse. Get a desk that helps you maintain proper posture while working on your devices. And use a laptop stand to keep your screen and camera at eye level. When working from home, it's crucial to have a dedicated workspace that inspires you to work and helps you concentrate on your tasks and projects. Consider the tips above for upgrading your workspace for maximum productivity and wellness. And keep looking for other ways to make your WFH experience better overall. Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about my real estate investment mentorship program? Visit 412AH.com today!

Whether it’s your primary residence or an investment property , plumbing problems are something to expect. Not only do you have minor issues such as a running toilet, leaky faucet, or clogged sink drain to deal with, but there are many major issues that can happen (think a burst pipe or flooded basement). And while doing certain repairs DIY can save you money and teach you useful skills, some repairs are best left to the professionals. The information and resources below can hopefully help you determine when you need to hire a professional plumber and when you should do a repair yourself, as well as what tools and equipment you will need to make your DIY endeavors successful. Benefits of Calling a Professional There are plenty of advantages to hiring the services of a professional plumber. You don’t have to worry about making mistakes that could cost you more money. A professional will have all the skills , knowledge, and tools to do the job well. They will also be able to spot secondary problems and provide advice on how you can prevent potential problems in the future. Most professionals are licensed , insured, and bonded, and they will stand by their work. Ensure you’re working with a trusted expert by using websites like Angi.com to read reviews and check ratings of Pittsburgh-based plumbers. DIY Projects to Consider While problems like busted pipes, septic tank malfunction, and issues that lie behind the walls in your home should be addressed by a pro, there are certain minor repairs that can be done DIY. Installing or replacing your bathroom sink is a great DIY project to try. Dripping faucets and slow-draining sinks and bathtubs/showers can also be DIYed. If you have a minor issue with your toilet (i.e., it gets clogged often or is always running), that’s something you should be able to address as well. Additionally, replacing a stuck or leaky shutoff valve is quite a simple project. Essential Tools, Supplies, and Equipment Of course, you will need to invest in tools and other materials if you want to DIY plumbing work. A pair of tongue-and-groove pliers (commonly referred to as “Channellocks”) is one of the most important tools to keep on hand for plumbing. A basin wrench is a T-shaped tool that’s necessary for changing out and tightening faucets, among other things. Plumbers use pipe wrenches to handle heavy-duty pipe fittings and nuts. If you ever get into a situation where you need to cut through a pipe, bolt, screw, or nut, a hacksaw is what you’ll need for the job. And who can forget duct tape ? Along with being useful for various plumbing issues, duct tape can come in handy for countless other household tasks. When it comes to your home’s plumbing, you want to make the right decisions each time a problem arises. So, consider the benefits of hiring a professional, and look into the repairs that are relatively easy to perform on your own. Finally, make sure you invest in any tools and equipment you may need to do a job well.

Investing in Real Estate Starts With Research While no investment is ever a sure thing, one thing is certain and that is that people will always need a place to live. For this reason, many everyday people — and celebrities — funnel their money into real estate. If you’re planning to follow suit, you’ll be in good company, but you don’t want to go into the process blindly. This is one instance where research and diligence is a must. Pros and Cons As with all types of investments, there are pros and cons with putting money into real estate. National real estate agency Redfin explains that the downside includes financing costs, marketing expenses, and ongoing property maintenance. However, choose the right property, and you’ll enjoy a passive income from a business model that tends to hold his own in most markets. Getting Started One of the biggest benefits of buying real estate is that there are few barriers to entry. If you have the financial backing and credit score to qualify for a loan, there’s nothing stopping you from purchasing a property. Although you will have to compete with other, more experienced investors, Dan Costantino recommends educating yourself. You can do this by joining your local Real Estate Investment Association, listening to real estate podcasts, and reading forums on the topic before you jump headfirst. The Market Once you feel like you have the knowledge to move forward, your next step is not choosing a house. Instead, you’ll want to take a look at the various markets in your area. You can start by establishing what you can afford and then looking at ZIP Codes that might support a real estate investment at that price point. Crime rates , school district scores, access to public transportation, and overall cost of living are all important factors when choosing a location for your first flip or rental. Business Sense Owning real estate for the explicit purpose of earning a profit makes you a business owner. With this in mind, you also want to explore creating a business structure to help protect your personal assets. For most investors, this is to create a limited liability company (LLC). Though it sounds like a complex process, forming an LLC isn’t that hard and, if you don’t mind using a formation service and doing research on your own, it’s not expensive either. You will also want to open a separate bank account for your real estate business and take steps not to commingle your personal cash with your business funds. Which to Choose? As ManageCase points out, there are many different types of properties an investor might purchase. These range from single-family homes to multifamily condominium complexes. There are positives and negatives to each. For example, you may be able to purchase two or three small condominiums in the same unit for the same price as you pay for a large single-family home. There’ll be more maintenance with the three properties, but you run less of a risk of having a full vacancy. A single-family property will rent for more money, and you may be able to find a more stable tenant for something on the higher end of the price range. There is no one-size-fits-all answer for every investor, so this is another area where research and diligence will pay off in the long term. When you’re ready to take control of your own wealth, real estate is a great place to begin. But it is not without its pitfalls, and your crucial first step is research. From learning about the different types of real estate to understanding factors that influence the market, the above tips can put you on a path toward making a smart decision that will enhance your family’s income. And when you’re ready to take the leap, consult with Dan today. Author Natalie Jones natalie_jones@homeownerbliss.info

It's one of the questions I get asked the most. How do I get started? It's typically from people that want to design and renovate a property. They have $50,000 or $100,000 and they want to do a flip or buy a rental. The problem lies in the fact that most of them have no training or experience, which can lead to disaster. Contractors steal down payments They don't pull permits They don't have the proper contracts and/or paperwork Not properly insured They let in a nightmare tenant They gut the house and then sit on it for months or years because they aren't sure how to proceed I could go on and on. Flipping and owning rentals is powerful knowledge to have and it's a great way to invest. But you have to know what you're doing! So, how DO you get started? Here are some simple steps that I'd suggest to start educating yourself before risking tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Join your local REIA (Real Estate Investment Association) and start networking Join Biggerpockets.com and start reading forums and posting questions Listen to real estate podcasts Once you get some base knowledge, I suggest you start your investing in 1 of 2 ways: Lend money to an experienced investor with a great and proven track record (PLEASE do your due diligence). Why? Because you get to analyze a deal and observe from start to finish. It's the most passive thing you can do in real estate. Partner on a flip or buy/hold with an experienced investor. Why? Because you get to leverage their expertise and network. You'll get to observe so you can do the next deal on your own. If you're still unsure of how to get started, contact me to discuss real estate! I used to work a full time career and invest. I'm full time now and have a flipping business, a rental portfolio soon to eclipse 100 units, a hard money lending business, a construction company and a property management company. I used to be right where you are now! I'm happy to discuss. Just fill out the Contact Me form and we will set up a call.

Flipping houses is another awesome investment that has great profit potential. You purchase a house, you improve it, you update it and then, you sell it. When done correctly, you will make a good amount of profit in a short amount of time. House flipping is popular because the process is quick, you spend money and get it back – with a nice profit. The process is quicker than renting out properties. However, just like any investment, there are risks. That is why a professional real estate consultant is your best bet. A professional and reliable real estate consultant will help you buy low and can help you flip the house with a decent profit. Do you love hands on work? Then house flipping is for you. I am saying this because house flipping is not as glamorous as shown on tv. You need a budget and time – not to mention plenty of work when making renovations. Throughout 2019, almost 250,000 houses were flipped, reaching about 6% of all home sales – a high percentage. There are two ways to flip a house. • You buy a house that has the potential to increase in value and with the right repairs, you can make money by selling it at a higher price. • You buy a property in an area where home values are rising, you do not make any cosmetic changes, rather, you hold the property and resell it at a higher price, making a nice profit in the process